Midland facts behind a plumbing job
A renters' suburb
At the 2021 Census, 61.6% of occupied homes in the suburb of Midland were rented, against 27.3% across WA. 50.6% were townhouses, terraces or semis, 32.2% separate houses and 16.8% flats.
City of Swan since 1970
The Town of Midland merged with the Swan-Guildford Shire in 1970 to become the Shire of Swan, so the City of Swan's rules apply here. Midland Junction became a township in 1891.
Only rain goes in the stormwater
The City of Swan doesn't allow any wastewater other than rainwater into a stormwater drain. For most properties, wastewater goes to Water Corporation's sewer.
Flash flooding happens
The City says flash and riverine flooding are both common across Swan, and lists clearing gutters and downpipes of leaves as part of getting ready for storms.
Renting: who pays for a leak
Water Corporation says tenants generally pay for the water they use, but the cost of leaks and repairs sits with the property owner unless the rental agreement says otherwise. Report drips, a running cistern or a damp wall to the agent early, and in writing.
For owners, Water Corporation's leak allowance can cover up to 50% of the estimated water lost through a hidden leak, if a licensed plumber repairs it within 60 days of it being found. It's an allowance on water charges, not on the repair. See leak detection in Perth.
Your pipes and Water Corporation's sewer
The City of Swan makes owners responsible for their plumbing up to the sewer connection point, and sends faults in the sewer itself to Water Corporation. Wastewater overflowing anywhere on a property should be reported to Water Corporation's 24-hour line straight away.
Where sewer becomes available to a property still on an on-site system, the owner has five years to disconnect it and connect. For blocked fixtures, see blocked drains in Perth; for a burst pipe at night, an emergency plumber in Perth.
What we would do
Before winter, have the gutters and downpipes cleared, as the City suggests, and check the overflow relief gully outside isn't buried under pot plants or leaves. If you rent and something leaks, tell the agent in writing the same day. Then a plumber who specialises in leaks can trace where the water is going.